Integrative Medicine Approach
Chinese language is not alternative language and Chinese food is not alternative food, so why is Chinese medicine called alternative medicine?
At our clinic, we prefer the term integrative medicine. It is rare that our patients only see a medical doctor or only see an acupuncturist for their health concerns. They integrate both eastern and western medicine to receive the best of both worlds. We encourage that.
Chinese medicine has been practiced for 2,500 years and this comprehensive medical system includes acupuncture, bodywork (such as massage, cupping, and gua sha), Chinese herbal therapy, nutrition, pulse diagnosis, and relaxation techniques.
Our Chinese Medical Professionals
Elie Cole, LAc
Elie became interested in holistic healing in 1998 while living with a family in Costa Rica. Her hostess, Mama Marta, had an aching back from working hard without the convenience of modern appliances. Mama Marta nurtured everyone, but no one nurtured her. One night Elie massaged Mama Marta’s aching back and her tight muscles melted under Elie’s hands. Inspired by Mama Marta, Elie began her studies in massage therapy in 1999.
Since then Elie has earned a Masters of Science of Traditional Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2007 and opened Nourishing Medicine, Inc. In 2014, Elie Cole was one of only 11 people in this country to be accepted into the Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree program at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. Each month, she spends 50 hours of intensive training with world-renowned professors who are flown in from all over the world to train the doctorate candidates.
Corinne LeBlanc, LAc
Corinne LeBlanc has a Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, CO and is a licensed acupuncturist in the great state of Oregon. During the 3000+ hour didactic and clinical program, Corinne pursued specialty clinic rounds in Pediatrics, OB/GYN, and with the Boulder County AIDS Project. In 2014, she spent a month in China, studying at Heilongjiang University under Pediatric, OB/GYN, and Stroke Recovery doctors.
Prior to embarking on her Chinese Medical journey, Corinne received her bachelor’s degree in Dance Therapy from Ithaca College. She then attended the Autism Treatment Center of America in Massachusetts, where she trained in implementing a specialized relationship-based therapy for children on the autism spectrum. Corinne has also completed a holistic health certification program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. She has spent the past ten years working with children on the autism spectrum, and their families, and is now passionately dedicated to integrating her background in play therapy, health coaching, and Traditional Chinese Medicine to bring families closer by helping to improve the overall health of each member. Corinne’s playful, yet professional style translates to children and adults alike. Her range of experience and eclectic approach allows her to address a variety of familial concerns.
Her work life is balanced by tons of fun in Portland. An east coast transplant, Corinne has fallen in love with the magnificence of the Northwest. With her husband and tiny, but mighty puppy frequently by her side, she can be found eating, coffee drinking, hiking, mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, and adventuring her way through the city.